Development of Trophotylenchulus piperis in Black Pepper Roots

Abstract

Development of Trophotylenchulus piperis Mohandas et al., 1985 was studied on black pepper roots under laboratory conditions. Second stage juveniles of T.piperis entered the root within 3 days after inoculation. Further development of the juvenile involved the formation of a spherical bulb at midbody length which enlarged on the dorsal side giving a characteristic shape to the adult female. Between 30 and 40 days after inoculation, the protective covering of the nematode case started developing. The fully matured female was covered by a spherical case during 40-50 days after inoculation. The female laid eggs inside the case numbering from 25 to 35 per case. T.piperis completed its life cycle on black pepper roots within 55 days at a room temperature of 24-32oC.